Page 65 of Fake it For Good
“I’m the man you know,” he said.
I wasn’t sure I believed that. The whole encounter left me a little creeped out. I didn’t like it. I liked to think I was a little stronger than that, but it just felt so off. I was convinced I had let myself get caught up in the charade. I spun a tale in my head, and I manipulated the events that happened to fit into the fantasy.
“Noelle,” he said and grabbed my hand.
“I’m fine,” I said. “The beer is warm.”
“I’ll get us something else,” he said.
“No thanks,” I said with a shake of my head.
“Do you want to go?” he asked.
“No, it’s fine.” I forced a smile. “I’m here for you. Whatever you need.”
“What I need is to get out of here,” he said.
“Don’t feel like we have to leave,” I told him. “I can handle Queen Bitch.” I immediately grimaced when I heard the words. “I’m sorry. I don’t mean to be snarky.”
“Don’t be sorry. Let’s get out of here. I’ve shaken enough hands tonight.”
23
CANE
“Leaving so soon?” Kelly asked.
“I don’t like the company in here,” I muttered under my breath.
“Now, now, Cane,” she said. “Don’t be like that. We’re colleagues.”
“We’re not shit,” I hissed. “Get out of my way.”
“Bye, Noelle, I can’t wait to catch up,” Kelly said with a laugh. “We’ll have to compare notes. I’ve heard a man’s prime is in his twenties. I think I might have used up the best years.”
“Oh sweetie, the best years are just beginning,” Noelle said. “It’s not about the man, it’s about the partner. Trust me, I’m not complaining. He’s certainly not complaining. But thanks for your concern about our sex life. I’d be happy to give you pointers. You’re not much older than I am, I don’t think. I know I’m having the best sex of my life. They say there is someone for everyone. I’m sure if you look hard enough, maybe get rid of that permanent sneer, you’ll find someone.”
“You little b—”
I gently pushed Noelle out the door. “You really know how to get under her skin,” I said, laughing.
“I probably shouldn’t have said anything, but that woman is obnoxious.”
“Trust me, I know,” I said. “I should have warned you.”
“You knew she was going to be there?” she asked.
“I suspected,” I admitted. “She goes to these things.”
“Why?” she asked.
We waited on the curb, tapping our feet to stay warm while the valet brought the car around. I knew I should probably give her the full rundown. “I’m sorry,” I said again. “I didn’t know she would do that.”
My Porsche pulled to a stop in front of us. I quickly opened the passenger door for her. When I got in the car, she didn’t let it go. “You knew she was going to be there.”
“I didn’t know until we showed up,” I confessed. “There was no guarantee.”
“You should have warned me,” she said, sighing. “Is that what all this is about? Am I here to make her jealous?”
